Step-ladder



del.)

W. H. BRAY.

STEP LADDER.

Patented Aug. 9,1881, 7

UNITED STATES PATENT .Orrree.

WILLIAM H. BRAY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

STEP-LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 245,344, dated August 9, 1881. Application filed May is, 1881. (No model.)

. from an ordinary single step-ladder into one having steps on both sides or into two separate ladders, all of which will hereinafter fully appear.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my step-ladder. Fig. 2 is a vertical section. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are details of construction.

In the drawings, A A represent the standards of one side of the ladder, carrying the steps B B, and having fixed to their top a flat cross brace or board, C, to the under inner edge of which are secured the pintle-butts e e of.

two hinges. 0n the top C is fastened a top, 1*, the front edge of which slightly projects over the front edge of the top C, and its rear side projects over the rear edge of the said top a distance about as great again as said top that is, the top F is about twice the width of the top C.

Let G represent the back-stay of the ladder, being an ordinary braee having a top, H, about the width of the toplC. The side supports or uprights of both ladderA and brace G are set' at a proper angle, and thetops ot'both are level. The top H of the brace or stay G has on its inner under side corresponding hinge-frames with appropriate sockets e, to receive the pintles of the butts e e. The two parts are thus hinged together, the top H fitting under the extended portion of the top board,F, which rests, therefore, upon the two tops, C and H, and practically forms the top of the ladder. In the main top F is a hole, a, and in the top H is a corresponding hole, 0, inline therewith. Through these holes passes the pin or screw J, having a head convenient for handling. This screw locks the two tops H- and C together and makes the ladder firm.

by the wide top piece I so that the ladder,

when locked, cannot separate or close.

By removing the pin or screw J the back support may be readily removed and the ladder set out of the way as conveniently as in the ordiuaryfolding ladders; or, by simply loosening the pin J snfficiently to release the top H, the two parts may be folded together.

Through the main lop F and top C is the aperture 61, into which is inserted the vertical rod or post K, said post being provided Onits top with a notch, t, orother equivalent device,

in which the handles of paint-cans or other articles may be hung, whereby they may be reached'when the ladder is in use. This post is easily removable if not needed. It further lends support and assistance when it is desired to mount on top of the ladder.

By having this double ladder it can readily be converted into two single ladders when needed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

A step-ladder consistingof front A and back G, having tops C and H, provided with pintles e, and corresponding sockets 0, whereby said tops are fitted and secured together, the wide main top F, and locking pin or screw J,when arranged substantially as and for the purpose herein described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

WILLIAM H. BRAY.

Witnesses S. H. NOURSE, FRANK A. BROOKS. 

